Joe Wilker is a product manager at Mazak Corporation, 8025 Production Drive, PO Box 970, Florence, KY 41042, 859-342-1700, Fax: 859-342-1865, www.mazakusa.com.
Shops are meeting the rising demand for high-mix/low-volume strategies by using innovative multi-tasking machines to fully optimize processes that encompass everything from the moment raw material enters into a shop up to the date the final part gets shipped.
Think this technology has leveled off? Think again. Some of the latest advancements include integral-motor roller cam-style turrets, 90 deg-configured turrets, enhanced lower turrets, direct-drive milling spindles and servo drilling tailstocks. And that’s not all.